The ongoing World Test Championship 2023 cycle is nearing an exciting finish, with as many as five teams in contention to secure the final two spots for the title clash to be played at The Oval in June. Here is a look at how the current points table for the ongoing cycle stands and the teams which are in the race to contest in the final.
Pakistan’s 26-run defeat to England in the second Test in Multan has resulted in them slipping down to the sixth position in the WTC points table with a points percentage of 42.42%, thereby significantly denting their chances. They have three more Tests remaining – one against England and two against New Zealand – all at home, and even wins in each of those wouldn’t assure them of a spot in the final, as they would need numerous other results to go their way. Pakistan can now finish with a maximum of 54.76%, which is highly likely to be surpassed by at least two of the other four teams in contention.
Placed third with 53.33%, Sri Lanka have a tough road ahead, with two away Tests to be played in New Zealand. A 2-0 win would take them up to 61.11, while a 1-1 draw could drop it to 52.78. Considering how the frontrunners – Australia, South Africa and India are placed – Sri Lanka would ideally need to win both their remaining Tests to have a genuine chance.
Australia are best placed in the points table, with their position at the top strengthened further following a 2-0 clean sweep of the West Indies at home recently. They stand at 75% currently, but that doesn’t guarantee them a final spot yet, for they have challenging assignments ahead, a three-match home series against South Africa beginning Saturday, December 17, followed by four away Tests against India in February-March.
A defeat in all seven Tests would bring Australia’s PCT down to 47.37. The results in the two series carry equal significance for all three involved in the race, for a win for one would dent other’s progress. That said, Australia can seal a top-two finish should they sweep South Africa 3-0, with the latter’s progress depending on the outcome of the India vs Australia series.
It’s worth noting that South Africa have beaten Australia in Tests series Down Under in each of their last three trips, with the hosts’ last series win at home dating back to 2005-06. The Proteas are placed second at 60% currently, with two home Tests against the West Indies remaining after the Australia tour. A 0-3 defeat down under would jeopardise their chances, as they could then attain only a maximum of 53.33%, considering they beat West Indies 2-0. A win in Australia would take that number to 60%, keeping them in the hunt.
India, the inaugural WTC runners-up, are currently on tour of Bangladesh, with the first of two Tests beginning Wednesday, December 14 in Chattogram. They need to win five of the remaining six Tests to ensure a final berth. A 6-0 or a 5-1 outcome would put them at the top of the standings with a PCT of 68.06 or 62.5 respectively, as Australia’s numbers would drop given those results. However, two defeats would leave India relying on other results, with a maximum PCT attainable dropping to 56.94.
England have already been knocked out of the race despite their brilliant run of eight wins from nine Tests ever since Ben Stokes having taken up the charge. They lost seven, drew four, and managed a sole win in their first 12 Tests in the cycle, which put them out of the race.
Inaugural edition champions New Zealand too, are out of the race, as they can now go up a maximum to 48.72%, and so are the West Indies, who can’t go past 50%.
